Duchy of Austria

The Duchy of Austria was a state of the Holy Roman Empire which existed from 1156 to 1453, following Austria's detachment from the Duchy of Bavaria. The House of Babenberg, which had ruled the Margraviate of Austria since the 10th century, ruled the duchy until Frederick II of Austria's death in battle with Hungary in 1246, and the House of Habsburg would eventually fill the ensuing power vacuum. In 1453, Austria was elevated to the Archduchy of Austria.